The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Didreich. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Didreich family.

Didreich Early Origins

The surname Didreich was first found in Prussia, where the family was anciently associated with the political and religious conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions, where they contributed to the prosperity of their society. The name was made famous during the Middle Ages through the folk hero Dietrich von Bern, and the Dietrich-sagas which stem from the life of the Gothic King Theoderich the Great. The prefix "ded," "did," "died," "diet," or "diot" means people, nation, or folk, while the ending "Reich" means realm.

Didreich Spelling Variations

Didreich Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Didreich include Dederich, Dederick, Dedereich, Dederichs, Dedericks, Dedereichs, Dedrich, Dedrick, Dedreich, Diederich, Diederick, Diedereich, Diederichs, Diedericks, Diedereichs, Didrich, Didrick, Didreich, Dhederich, Dhederick, Dhedereich, Thederich, Thederick and many more.

Didreich Early History

Didreich Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Didreich research. Another 249 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1816 and 1817 are included under the topic Early Didreich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Didreich Early Notables (pre 1700)

Didreich Early Notables (pre 1700)

Prominent bearers of the family name Didreich during this time period were Christoph Leopold Diederichs, who was the justice advisor and member of the state council of Prussia. Carl Anton Diederichs was the city director to Herford. Bernhard Carl Diederichs was president...

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Didreich Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Since medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Didreich or a variant listed above: Hans Diederick, who arrived in New York City with his wife Grietje Warnaerts Diederick in 1664. Conrad, Anna Margreta, Anna Maria, Catarenia, Elizabeth, and Maria Christina Dederich in came to America in 1789.

The Didreich Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Didreich Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.